& i've tried to create a phone ext# field in the main contact screren but can't figure it out
You don't really need one. Just append the extension to the phone number.
If youi want information on customizing the basic contact form, see
http://www.slipstick.com/dev/forms.htm

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Sue Mosher, Outlook MVP
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Microsoft Outlook Programming - Jumpstart for
Administrators, Power Users, and Developers
http://www.outlookcode.com/jumpstart.aspx
> & i've tried to create a phone ext# field in the main contact screren but can't figure it out